Nirvana Manning, M.D., has been named chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
“Dr. Manning has strived to provide the very best for our patients, students and trainees since joining our faculty in 2007, and in her current role as director and medical director of women’s health services,” said Christopher T. Westfall, MD, executive vice chancellor of UAMS and dean of the College of Medicine. “She will bring her expertise, energy and strong commitment to providing the highest quality of care and exemplary education to her role as chair.”
Manning has held important roles in a number of recent advancements in women’s health at UAMS, including the newly opened UAMS Health Women’s Center at 6119 Midtown Ave. Manning was also instrumental in bringing the Mamava private lactation spaces to campus, implementing the nationally accredited CenteringPregnancy group prenatal program, and achieving Center of Excellence status from the Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and perinatology.
She also was involved with launching the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation’s new FCC-funded program to leverage digital health technology to treat patients for COVID-19 and share vital medical information with patients and healthcare providers across Arkansas.
Manning earned an undergraduate degree in economics and biology, graduating cum laude, from Vanderbilt University and came to UAMS for medical school. After graduating in 2003, she remained at UAMS for a residency in obstetrics and gynecology.
Early leadership roles included directing the clinic at Freeway Medical Women’s Clinic and the West Little Rock Women’s Clinic in 2011-2015, and directing the University Women’s Clinic in 2012-2015. Manning was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 2013. She began serving as medical director of women’s health services in 2015 and as director of women’s health services in 2017.
Manning is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her state leadership roles include serving as an inaugural appointed member of the Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee. At UAMS, she has received several awards for patient satisfaction and teaching. She serves on numerous campus committees relating to patient care and quality.